We’ll tell you all we know…and our favorite California compliant solution (since there’s a lot). The AR Maglock with the Patriot Pin.

We’ll cover how it works, why it’s still pretty fast, and how to install it.

Disclaimer that this is not legal advice and you should double-check everything, especially since the laws surrounding this always seem to be in flux. Also the installation instructions are for entertainment only. Always have a qualified gunsmith work on your firearm.

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Current California Assault Weapon Laws

It used to be that with a simple “tool” you could release your fixed magazine.

Ultimate Bullet Button Tool, Ben Sharmak

But thanks to SB880…a fixed magazine is when a “feeding device contained in, or permanently attached to, a firearm in such a manner that the device cannot be removed without disassembly of the firearm action.”

So now you have to open up the upper and lower halves before the magazine release can be used.

Read more in our SB880 article where we talk about registration too.

But you have until June 30, 2018 to become featureless, have a new fixed mag system, or register.

Enter…AR Maglock & Patriot Pin

One thing about these kinds of laws…the ingenuity of determined people shines.

AR Maglock and Patriot Pin Combo

Check it out…the AR Maglock ($55) replaces your entire Bullet Button or standard magazine release. It adds a little arm so you can’t press it in if the upper is in place.

So simple it’s GENIUS!

Pressed In AR Maglock

Once the rear takedown pin is released and you open up the upper and lower halves…you can now press the magazine release button.

But pressing in the takedown pin one side…then pulling it out the other side gets annoying if you’re shooting a lot.

Patriot Pin, Open Action

BOOM!

That’s where the Patriot Pin ($89) steps in…it replaces the endplate and rear takedown pin so you have a lever to easily press with your firing hand that releases the upper and lower.

Plus the pin is made of Delrin (plastic) so there’s no excessive wear on your aluminum parts with the regular steel pin.

Here it is in action again with a tactical reload (round in the chamber):

Pros

Makes your gun look pretty normal…no fin grips in featurelessbuilds.

AR Maglock and Patriot Pin

No registration required

Reasonably fast reloads…especially if a round is in the chamber (make sure to put it on safe first though)

Cons

Still not as fast as a regular magazine release…if you’re competing you’ll probably go the featureless route

Little more annoying on an empty magazine bolt hold open situation since you can’t open the upper/lower halves if the bolt is to the rear. You’ve got to release the bolt, open it up, drop the mag, put in a new mag, put the upper/lower together, and use the charging handle.

Double-feeds will suck since you can’t easily release the pressure by removing the magazine. You’ll have to disassemble the AR Maglock (pretty easy…just need an Allen key) or disassemble your magazine from the bottom. I wouldn’t recommend using permanently modified mags.

A little pricey with the AR Maglock at $55 and the Patriot Pin at $89. However…there’s a Combo which brings it down to $135 for both. Or even a bigger Compliance Kit with all the tools and extra goodies.

Want to go the featureless route…check out the best muzzle brakes, grips, and fixed stocks in our complete Featureless Guide. Or if this is bumming you out…check out Editor’s Picks for the best guns & gear.